Shipper carton and package



N0V 16, 1965 c. L.. CHAMPLIN ETAL 3,217,858*

SHIPPER CARTON AND PACKAGE n. a is: INVENTORS ATTORNEY Nov. 16, 1965 c. 1 CHAMPLIN ETAL 3,217,868

SHIPPER CARTON AND PACKAGE 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 28. 1964 S R O T m w ATTORNEY Nov. 16, 1965 Filed Feb. 28, 1964 C. L. CHAMPLIN ETAL SHIPPER CARTON AND PACKAGE ATTORNEY c. L. cHAMPLlN ETAL. 3,217,868

SHIPPER CARTON AND PACKAGE Nov. 16, 1965 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Feb. 28, 1964 ,l .J i .y F

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ATTORNEY c. L. CHAMPLIN ETAL 3,217,8681

SHIPPER CARTON AND PACKAGE Nov. 16, 1965 '7 Sheets-'Sheet IE Filed Feb. 28, 1964 INV ENTORS ATTORNEY I Nov. 16, 1965 c. l.. cHAMPLlN ETAL 3,217,863

` SHIPPER CARTON AND PACKAGE 7 Sheets-Sheet 7' Filed Feb. 28, 1964 INV ENTORS ATTORNEY United States Patent O Hickin,

This invention relates to a shipper carton, the package formed therewith, and the method of producing such package, and it embodies modifications of the invention disclosed in the application of Charles L. Champlin and Robert I. Hickin of similar title, filed August l0, 1962, Serial No. 216,130, now Patent No. 3,162,302, granted December 22, 1964.

Although the carton and package of the invention may be employed in the packaging of a variety of articles, particularly those of a relatively fragile nature, it has special utility in the packaging of books for individual shipment by mail and is designed primarily for this purpose. Hence, in the present disclosure the adaptation of the invention to this special purpose will be stressed, but the invention is not to be considered as thus limited thereto.

In the disclosure of the invention of the aforesaid application, particularly in its adaptation to the packaging of books, the packaged book is provided with a sling-like cradle band which embraces the book from end to end and is secured to the proximate side walls of the carton to thus position the book against movement endwise of f the carton. The carton walls proximate to the band and hence to the book covers, and the carton walls proximate to the back and side edges of the book, are so proportioned and assembled as to provide an easy slip fit with these book parts, While the ends of the carton are spaced from the ends of the thus-positioned book in order to accommodate the carton ends to controlled limited crushing on impact without injury to the book.

It has been discovered by experimentation, impact tests in simulation of actual shipping conditions, and by actual mail shipments, that if the aforesaid carton walls to which the cradle band is attached are spaced from the adjacent book covers the likelihood of impact damage to the book is markedly further reduced and, in the main, entirely eliminated, and careful study of drop tests of book packages with such a relative association of carton walls and book covers, made with the aid of slow-motion moving pictures of such tests, has shown that when such a package is dropped, particularly on an end or corner, the shock Waves set up in the carton by such impact are evidenced in quickly dissipated ripples in such walls, due to the inherent resiliency of the wall material, and hence serve to counteract any tendency for collapse or crushing in the end portions of the carton, thus preventing any such distortion of the carton as would subject the book to damage. In other words, the package will bounce, and in great measure retain its protective shape relative to the book.

It is mainly in this feature that the present invention differs from that of the aforesaid application, but it ernbodies, also, forms of cartons and packaging procedures not disclosed in said application.

The annual shipment of books by mail, individually, from publishers to subscribers, or readers, for example by the so-called book clubs, runs into the hundreds of millions, and it is essential that, despite the relatively rough handling to which they are subjected in shipment, usually by parcel post, they reach the consignees in undamaged condition. To this end, the publisher-consignor must so package the books for individual shipment that, in transit, despite such rough handling, their bindings will be in good condition, secure, with undam- 3,217,868 Patented Nov. 16, 1965 Mice aged corners on the covers, and free of abrasions, and with dust covers similarly intact, whereby, upon receipt and inspection by the consignee, they will be unmarred, of good appearance, and acceptable to the consignee.

In book shipper cartons now being used, protection of the books is to Some extent achieved by two general packaging methods. In one such method the material of which the shipper carton isV made is1 of such inherent stiffness that it can aborb the abuse incident to rough handling. Shipper cartons made from corrugated board, or from paperboard of very high quality and caliper, are in this category. The other such method istoform the shipper carton from paperboard of a lesser strength but to provide it with false ends which usually contact the ends of the book and serve to cushion the book against impact. Shipper cartons falling in these two method categories are expensive to produce, for reasons which will be apparent to the carton manufacturer, and their cost to the packager will therefore be relatively high. Moreover, the adaptation of packaging lines to their use is apt to involve considerable expense. Y

Having the foregoing in mind, one object of the pres'- ent invention is to provide a shipper carton which, while providing adequate protection` for the article packaged therein, may be made from relatively inexpensive sheet material such as paperboard of medium quality and caliper.

Another object is to provide a shipper carton of common seal end variety, Whether of the pre-glued or Wraparound type, or an open-end carton `preferably of Wraparound type, so proportioned with relation to the size or dimensions of the packaged article, and providing` suchi relative support for the article Within it, that the article is protected against damage during rough handling of the package.

Another object of the invention is to so proportion the carton with relation to the dimensions of the packaged article that certain longitudinal walls of the carton are in such spaced relation to the article that when the package is dropped during handling the shock of impact will be absorbed in these carton walls in quickly dissipating ripples caused by the imparted shock Wave and will thus not have a damaging reaction upon the article.

A further object is to provide a shipper carton which, instead of depending for protection of the packaged article upon such stiffness and shock-resistance of the carton as to prevent its undue collapse or distortion, relies upon a controlled collapse or distortion of the carton to inhibit such deformation as might be injurious to the packaged article.

Another object of the invention is to provide means defining a readily accessible and easily operated tear strip or frangible portion in a wall of the shipper carton by means of which ready access to the contents may be obtained.

A still further, and primary, object of the invention is to provide a shipper carton for a book, in which thev book is supported within the carton in spaced relation to selected opposite walls thereof and is thus protected against damage upon partial collapse of such walls, or any of them.

Another object is to provide a carton fulfilling the foregoing object and which is provided with means Whereby, after opening for inspection of the contents, it may be re-closed for return shipment to the consignor, this feature being especially advantageous in the on approval shipment of books to non-soliciting consignees.

A further object is to provide a carton, particularly for the shipment of books, which, in view of the spaced relation of certain of its walls to an enclosed book, is suitable for the packaging of books of a variety of sizes Without sacrificing protection features.

Another object is to provide a shipper carton having the hereinbefore recited characteristics for protection of the packaged article and being, additionally, of a type suitable for enclosure in a conventional overwrap and provided in one carton wall with frangible means which serve, when operated, to rupture such carton wall and the overwrap thus to free an adjacent carton wall for out-folding to gain access to the packaged article, such out-folded wall being provided with means for its restoration to close the carton for reshipment of the package.

Another object is to provide shipper cartons responsive to any, or all, of the foregoing objects, which are adapted for use in automatic or semi-automatic packaging operations conducted on mechanical packaging lines of a variety of types.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent as the disclosure proceeds.

Having reference particularly to its embodiment in a shipper carton and package for a book, for which it is especially adapted, but without limiting it thereto, the invention comprises a carton adapted to receive a book, a wrapper member preferably in the form of a sling-like cradle band passed about and embracing said book but free of any direct connection therewith, two opposite side walls of said carton being proximate to said band and in spaced relation to adjacent surfaces of the book, and at least one of said walls being secured to said band, the opposite ends of the carton being remote from said book in the direction in which the band is passed to thus provide spaces between said ends and the book, and other opposite side walls serving to enclose the book, said book being restrained by said band against movement within the carton in the direction in which said band is passed to thus preserve said spaces to accommodate partial collapse of the carton walls, the spaced relation of said two first named walls to adjacent surfaces of the book providing for rippling of said walls incident to absorption of shock waves produced by impact of said carton against a surface, and the invention comprises, also, means provided in said carton walls to pre-define their said partial collapse, an overwrap for the carton package, and means defining in at least one carton wall a tear strip affording access to said book whether the carton package is overwrapped or not, and means for restoring the package to reshippable condition; and the invention comprises, further, a method of producing said shipper package, all as will be explained hereinafter more fully and finally claimed.

In the accompanying drawings illustrating the invention, in the several figures of which like parts are similarly designated,

FIG. 1 is a plan View of the inner face of a carton blank of seal-end type which is one preferred form for producing the package of the invention,

FIG. 2 is an outer plan View of the blank of FIG. l flat-folded and glued to carton form,

IFIG. 3 is a composite perspective view showing the carton of FIG. 2 squared up, and a book with the wrapper member or sling-like cradle band applied and furnished with a spot glue pattern and ready to be inserted into the carton endwise thereof,

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the finished and sealed package of carton and contained book,

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional elevation taken in the plane of line 5-5 of FIG. 4 and illustrating the cradled assembly of the book within the carton,

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional elevation, in perspective, illustrating a simulation of ripples in the carton side walls, and a crushed corner thereof, such as might be incident to shock waves and impact on dropping of the package during handling,

FIGS. 7 to 10 illustrate a carton construction similar to that of FIGS. 1 to 6 but adapted to the packaging of a relatively thin book; FIG. 7 being a plan view of the a inner face of the flat blank, FIG. 8 showing the first fold of this same blank, FIG. 9 showing the completely flatfolded and glued blank, and FIG. 10 showing the fiatfolded blank squared up and sealed in completed package form,

FIGS. 11 to 16 illustrate another carton construction essentially similar to those of FIGS. 1 to 6 and 7 to 10, but embodying structural details which adapt the carton to production of a reclosable package in which the packaged book, after inspection or examination by the consignee, may be returned to the consigner; FIG. 11 being a plan view of the inner face of the flat carton blank, FIG. 12 showing the first fold of the blank, FIG. 13 showing the completely fiat-folded and glued blank, FIG. 14 showing, in perspective, the squared-up blank filled and sealed to produce the shipper package, FIG. 15 showing the frangible portion of the carton broken away to give access to the packaged book, and FIG. 16 showing the carton re-closed to restore the package for return to the consignor.

FIGS. 17 to 26 illustrate the production of a package having the essential characteristics of the invention but employing an open-end wrap-around type of carton; FIG. 17 showing in plan the inner face of the at carton blank, FIG. 18 showing the reinforcing aps at the edges of the ultimate open ends of the carton folded in flat and glued, FIG. 19 showing the blank with opposite wall-forming members offstanding normal to the fiat portions of the blank, FIG. 20 showing these wall-forming members flat folded, FIG. 21 showing the folded, glued and squared-up carton in plan view, FIG. 22 showing, for greater clarity, in perspective, the parts of the blank in the positions thereof illustrated in FIG. 19, FIG. 23 showing, in perspective, a relatively thin book, With cradle band applied and provided with a glue-spot pattern, and of dimensions suitable for packaging in the cartons of FIGS. 7 to 16, 17 to 22, and 24 to 26, FIG. 24 being a perspective View of the package formed by the said carton and book, FIG. 25 being an enlarged sectional View of the package taken in the plane of line 25-25, FIG. 24, the book and cradle band being shown in elevation, and FIG. 26 showing a modification in which tongue and slot means are used instead of a glue seam for securing the carton walls.

FIGS. 27 to 32 illustrate another form of carton suitable for forming packages having characteristics in accordance with the invention but preferably provided with an overlap; FIG. 27 being a plan view of the inner face of the carton blank, FIG. 28 showing the blank of FIG. 27 flat-folded and glued, FIG. 29 showing the blank of FIGS. 27 and 28 squared up and with a book carrying a cradle band, with glue-spot pattern applied, partially inserted endwise of the carton, FIG. 30 showing the book packaged within the carton with the flaps at one end of the carton closed and sealed and the flaps at the other end partially closed, FIG. 3l showing the carton with enclosed book completely closed and sealed, and FIG, 32 showing the completed package including an overwrap.

FIGS. 33 to 36 show, in schematic perspective, assemblies of mechanisms suitable for performing packaging steps in the production of packages in accordance with the invention; FIG. 33 showing appropriate mechanism for applying the cradle bands to books, FIG. 34 showing mechanism for applying appropriate glue-spot patterns to the affixed cradle bands, FIG. 35 showing mechanism for feeding, closing, gluing and sealing packages formed from cartons of seal-end types, such as those shown, for ex ample, in FIGS. 2 to 5, 9 and 10, and 13 to 16, and provided with mcans for automatically positioning the books longitudinally within the cartons, and FIG. 36 showing mechanism for assembling books within cartons of the wrap-around type, such as that shown in FIGS. 17 to 22, 24 and 25, and glue-sealing them.

It will be understood that the particular types of cartons shown and hereinafter described in detail are repre.

sentative as well adapted to the practice of the invention in its diversified embodiments hereinafter explained, but other types could be used, particularly in reference to articles to be packaged, and especially articles other than the books to which the present disclosure is primarily directed.

However, in respect to the packaging of books, the types of cartons thus represented lend themselves with especial facility to the practice of the invention.

Thus, having reference to FIGS. l to 6, it will be seen that the carton blank therein shown has broad side wall forming members a, and b1 and b2, and narrow side wall members c and d, all defined by transverse folding scores 1, 2, 3 and 4. The broad side wall members a, and b1 and b2, and the narrow side Wall members c and d are provided at their opposite ends, respectively, with substantially similar end closure flaps a', b1', b2', c and d all of which are defined from the blank and from each other by appropriate longitudinal folding scores 5, 5, and transverse cuts as indicated. As shown, the broad side wall member b2 is provided with cuts defining a rip strip 6 having finger tabs 7 and 8 parted by a line of transverse perforations 9 by which access may be had to the ultimately formed package.

The narrow side wall members c and d are provided adjacent to their ends with bending or break-control scores 10 for a purpose later to be described, and bending or break-control scores 11, for a similar purpose, are preferably provided in the end closure flaps a', b1 and b2 of the respective broad side wall members a' b1 and b2.

In the flat-folding and gluing of the blank, the broad side wall member b1 is folded on the folding score 3 over and flat against the narrow side wall c and broad side wall a, and then, with adhesive applied to its edge area, as indicated by the stppling, FIG. l, the broad side wall member b2 is folded, with the narrow side wall member d, `on the folding score 2, over, and affixed to, the then underylying edge of the broad side wall member b1 (FIG, 2). The carton is squared up in the usual manner, FIG. 3, by applying pressure to the folded edges defined by the folding scores 3 and 2, which causes it to open up upon these scores and upon the folding scores 1 and 4.

Having reference to FIG. 3, it will be seen that the wrapper member of sling-like cradle band 12 is preferably a strip of strong paper, such as kraft paper, and is passed about the book b on the long dimension thereof, parallel to, but spaced from, the open edge and bound edge of the book, and secured in embracing relation to the book by joining the overlapping ends of the band in a glue joint 13. The adhesive for this glue joint is preferably spotted -on one of the overlapping ends of the band in order to guard against its seeping over the edges of the band and onto the cover of the book, but other modes of application of the adhesive may be resorted to so long as the adhesive is thus confined to the area of the band.

As thus applied, it will be apparent that the band 12 is not affixed to the book but does embrace it with a slip t yof desired, adequate closeness.

As hereinbefore indicated, the narrow side wall members c and d of the carton are sufficiently wider than the thickness of the book to provide spaces within the carton adjacent to both covers of the book, that is to say between the book covers and the broad side wall members a and b1-b2 (see FIG. 5).

With adhesive applied to the upper and lower faces of the band 12, preferably in a spot pattern as indicated by stippling at 14 in FIG. 3, or otherwise appropriately, but in no event upon any part of the book, the book is inserted into the open end of the squared-up carton, the broad end closure flaps of which are preferably flared, or funneled, out (FIG. 3) to avoid Contact with the adhesive 14, and is centered longitudinally of the carton (FIG. 5). Inasmuch as the carton is intentionally longer than the long dimension of the book, spaces or voids will be left at both ends of the book, and adhesion of the adhesive 14 to the broad side wall members a and lvl-b2 of the carton, which may be insured by pressure applied to these walls to hold them against the band during setting of the adhesive, will establish the band as a sling-like cradle which serves to restrain the book against undesired movement longitudinally of the carton, thus establishing maintenance of its location in spaced relation to the broad side wall members and end walls of the carton (FIG. 5).

Preferably, the inner transverse dimensions of the carton are such as to furnish an easy slip t for the book, as indicated in FIG. 3. Hence, the book is confined against any movement within the carton which would result in bending of the corners of the covers of the binding and of scufling or abrasion of the covers and back of such binding, and of a dust cover if one is used.

After the book is thus located within the carton, the end closure flaps a', b1', b2', c and d are closed in and affixed by adhesive applied, preferably, to the outer faces of the flaps c and d', and to the inner faces of the flaps a. Thus, none of the faces of the end closure flaps which are exposed within the carton have: any application of adhesive thereon.

As has been mentioned hereinbefore, packages in transit, particularly by parcel post, are rather carelessly and roughly handled, and damage to their contents often results. In the case of relatively fragile articles, and of books in particular, for 4the individual packaging for mailing of which the shipper carton and package of this invention is especially well adapted, vthe damage usuallyI results from shifting of the article within the container or carton, or from crushing or bending of the walls of the container or carton, particularly at its ends and corners. In the case of books, their shifting usually results in abrasive defaccment of their bindings or dust covers; and crushing or bending, particularly at the ends and corners of the containers or cartons, results in more or less extensive physical damage to the bindings, particularly to the corners of the cover boards.

In the package of the present invention the spaces provided between the end walls of the carton and the ends of the article, and between the broad side wall members and the adjacent faces of the article, a book in particular, the provision of the sling-like cradle band 12, and the appropriate slip fit of the narrow side wall members c and d, taken with the bending or break-control scores 1i? and 11, the functioning of which will next be described, serve to preclude such injury, and this has been demonstrated by appropriate drop-tests; and in mailing by parcel post for long distances, of books in shipper packages embodying the principles of the invention, with no special handling and hence subject to the usual hazards of such mailing.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, where one end of the carton is shown crushed at a corner, it will be noted that, controlled by the bending or break-control scores 10 and 11, the bending of the crushed narrow side wall member c has been directed outwardly, and away from the corners and back of the book binding, while to a slight extent collapse of the broad side wall members a and lul-b2 is directed inwardly but not to an extent sufficient to..

injure the binding, it being apparent that this controlled crushing of the board and narrow side walls serves to` provide a cushion at the crushed end of the carton due to the thus assumed bellows-like disposition of portions of the walls and the inherently relatively springy nature of the carton material.

Also, as has hereinbefone been indicated, and as is shown in FIG. 6, the spacing of the book, or other article, by the cradle band, from the broad side wall members of the carton, as well as from the carton end walls, serves further to cushion the book in the event of shock of impact of the carton against a surface, as, for example, if the package were dropped, inasmuch as such shock would be absorbed in waves W (FiG. 6) set up in the broad side wall members of the carton and relatively evenly distributed therethrough, and after impact the relatively springy nature of the carton material will insure restoration of such wall members to their original fiat condition barring such distortion as might occur adjacent to the corners and ends of the carton. In other words, the package will bounce and its springy nature, taken with its shock absorption capabilities, will protect the book against injury in its cradle band support within the carton. As hereinbefore pointed out, this functioning of the carton package has been demonstrated in actual tests of dropping, rough handling and normal mail transportation.

Furthermore, the rela-tively fixed location of the book longitudinally of the broad side walls a and b1-b2 by the sling-like cradle band 12, and the thus provided insurance of retention of the spaces within the carton at the ends of the book, taken in combination with the functioning of the bending or break-control scores 1@ and 11, serves to confine the crushing of the carton to zones not directly in contact with the book.

In the modified form of carton and package shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, the structure of the carton, as related to its essential elements, is the same as that of FIGS. 1 to 5, but its dimensions are less and are adapted to the packaging of a book, or other article, of smaller size, particularly as regards thickness. It embodies broad side wall members a and b1 and b2, and narrow side wall members c and d, all provided, respectively, with end closure flaps a', b1', b2', c and d', the said end flaps and narrow side wall members being scored with lines of weakening and break control 1f) and 1I, and the broad side wall member b2 being provided with means defining a rip strip 6.

In forming the package with this carton the cradlebanded book, or other article, is slipped into the squared- -up carton from one end thereof with adhesive applied to the band, the end fiaps are folded and secured in endclosing position, and pressure is applied to the broad side wall members to secure them to the band, all as previously described. Thus, the book is suspended between the broad side wall members in spaced relation thereto, and in spaced relation to the carton ends, and will be guarded against injury in handling and transit as has been related.

In the modified form of carton and package shown in FIGS. 11 to 16, the carton blank is different from those of FIGS. l and 7 in that it has two side wall members a and b of full area with a narrow side wall member c lying between them, and another narrow side wall member d is disposed at the opposite edge of the broad side wall member a and carries an extending flap e provided with means defining a rip strip 6 bordering a rupturable portion or panel f defined by cut-scores `or lines of perforations 15. The broad and narrow side wall members a, b, c and a', and the ap e are defined from each other by transverse folding scores 1, 2, 3 and 4, and longitudinal folding scores 5 define from the side wall members, and flap e, end flaps a', b', c', d' and e. The narrow side wall members and end fiaps are provided with lines of weakening and break control 1t) and 11.

In folding and gluing the blank of this carton, the broad side wall member b is folded upon the folding score 3 fiat against and overlying the narrow side wall member c and a portion of the broad side wall member a and then, with adhesive applied to the fiap e in substantially the edge area denoted by the stippling in FIG. 12, this flap e and the narrow side wall member d are folded over and down on the folding score 2 with the adhesive-treated edge of the fiap e against the edge of the broad side wall member b and secured thereto. It will be apparent that when the flap e is thus folded and secured the folding score 4 lies proximate to the adjacent underlying edge of the broad side wall member b and that, therefore, the fiap e with its rupturable portion or panel f, and the underlying portion, or area, of the broad side wall b form a double wall thickness. The purpose of this association of parts is to permit rupture of the panel f from the fiap e, as shown in FIG. l5, for inspection and removal of the book B; and its replacement if desired, and restoration of the panel j', thereafter, to close the carton by insertion of the panel f beneath the adjacent portion of the broad side wall b and between such portion and the proximate cover of the book, FIG. 16, so that the package may be remailed if the book is unwanted or is otherwise not acceptable.

In this package, also, the relative proportions of the carton and book will preferably be such as to provide the spaces between the cradle-band supported book and the ends and broad side wall members of the carton as hereinbefore described.

In the modified form of carton and package shown in FIGS. 17 to 25, and 26, the carton blank is similar in major characteristics to that of FIGS. 1 to 5 and 7 to 10, but is so designed as to provide a wrap-around carton of open-end type.

In major respects the blank (FIG. 17) of the carton of this modified embodiment is similar to that of either FIG. 1 or FIG. 7, and includes broad side Wall members a, b1 and b2 and narrow side wall members c and d, the broad side wall members terminating at their ends in reinforcing fiap members 16, 17 and I8, respectively, which terminate, longitudinally of the blank, short of the narrow side wall members. The broad and narrow side wall members are defined from each other by transverse folding scores I, 2, 3 and 4, and longitudinal folding scores 5 define the reinforcing flap members from their respective side wall members. It will be noted, also, that the reinforcing fiap members 17 of the broad side wall member b1 terminate short of the free edge of this side Wall member in order to provide a glue lap 19. Lines of weakening and break control 119 are provided in the narrow side wall members c and d adjacent to their ends and preferably extending diagonally into the adjacent broad Side wall members.

The broad side wall member b2 is provided with means defining a rip strip 6.

In preparing this blank for use as a wrap-around, openend carton for the packaging of a book, or other chosen article, the reinforcing fiaps 16, I7 and 18 are folded over upon, and adhesively afiixed to, their respective broad side wall members, as shown in FIG. 18, then the broad side wall members are folded upward, and then down, upon their folding scores 3 and 4, for appropriate pre-breaking of these folding scores (FIGS. 19 and 22), and the narrow side wall members c and d are also similarly folded to pre-break their scores I and 2. Thereafter, the blanks are fiat-folded (FIG. 20) for shipment to the customer and for handling by an appropriate packaging machine.

In the packaging operation, the carton blank is opened to the condition shown in FIGS. 19 and 22, the book B', of appropriate thickness for enclosure in the carton, and pre-cradle-banded with adhesive 14 applied to the band, FIG. 23, is positioned on the broad side wall member a, and then the narrow side wall member b is folded upward on its folding score 2 and the broad side wall member b2 is folded downward upon its folding score 4, over the book, and, with adhesive applied to the free edge portion of this member b2, as shown at 26 in FIG. 22, the narrow side wall member c is folded upward upon its folding score 1 and the broad side wall member b1 is then folded down upon its folding score 3 over the book with its free edge portion overlying and adhered to the adhesive-treated free edge portion of the member b2 to enwrap the book, as shown in FIGS. 21, 24 and 25, with the ends of the carton open. Thereafter, pressure is applied to the broad side wall members a, b1 and b2 to bring them into engagement with the cradle band 12 so that adhesive union betwen these wall members and the band may be effected, this pressure being maintained until the glue has set.

Obviously, instead of applying adhesive to the edge of the member b2, as described, it might be applied to the ultimate inner face of the edge of the member b1, and it might be applied prior to down-folding of these members, the desired manner of its application being dictated in large degree by the type of packaging machinery employed for manipulating the carton in the packaging operation Thus, as shown in FIG. 25, the book will be suspended by the cradle band in desired spaced relation to the side wall members and with the predetermined spaces between its ends and the open ends of the carton. It will 'be noted in this connection that the reinforcement of the ends of the broad side wall members of the carton afforded by the reinforcing naps 16, 17 and 18, `and the provision of the lines of weakening and break control 10, serve, respectively, to protect the carton ends against such undue crushing as would lbe injurious to the book, and to control the effect of such crushing on the ends of the narrow side wall members and on adjacent portions of the broad side wall members at the `corners of the carton.

Access to the book can, of course, be obtained upon rupture of the broad side wall b2 by manipulation of the rip strip 6.

Instead of providing a glue joint between the edges of the broad side wall members b1 and b2, these edges may be joined by releasable tongue and slot means, 21 and 22, respectively, as shown in FIG. 26, and in such arrangement the provision of the rip strip 6 will be unnecessary.

In the modification illustrated in FIGS. 27 to 32 an easily opened carton adapted to be provided with an overwrap is shown.

The blank for this carton is similar in respect to its major elements to that shown in FIGS. 11 to 16, though of different proportions, in that it has broad side wall members a and b of similar area and separated by a narrow side wall member c, the complementa] narrow side Wall member d lying at the opposite edge of the broad side wall member a and having attached to it a glue flap 23, The side wall members a, b, c and d are defined from each other, and from the flap 23, by transverse folding scores 1, 2, 3 and 4, and are provided, respectively, with end flaps a', b', c and d', foldable on longitudinal folding scores which, with the folding scores 1, 2, 3 and 4, define the broad and narrow side wall members. It will be seen, also, that the end aps d of the narrow side member d are preferably shorter than the end aps of the narrow side wall member c, and are cut away diagonally on their edges adjacent to the glue flap 23 so that they may be withdrawn from the erected and closed carton by pivotal movement of the narrow side wall member d upon its folding score 2, as will later be described.

The glue flap 23 is provided with means defining a rip strip 24 provided with a readily accessible free end tab 25.

Lines of weakening and break control and 11 are provided, respectively, in the narrow side wall members c and d, and in the end flaps a and b.

In forming the package using the carton of the FIGS. 27 to 32 form the procedure is substantially the same as that used in `the formation of the package using the carton of the FIGS. l1 to 16form insofar as it concerns the securement of the glue flap 23 to the broad side wall member b 4by adhesive applied tothe edge portion of the said flap as indicated at 26, FIG. 27, cradlebanding of the book, and insertion of the book with its adhesively treated cradle band within the squared-up carton, but closure of the end flaps of the carton, and their securement, is performed somewhat differently.

In `closing the end flaps, the end flaps c' and d are not supplied with adhesive for securement to the end flaps b' and a overlapped upon them. Instead, it is only the end naps b and a which are adhesively secured together to seal the ends of the carton. Thus, when the glue Hap 23 is ruptured by manipulation of the rip strip 24, the narrow side wall member d may pivot open upon its folding score 2 to give access to the packaged book B, and during this pivotal movement the end aps d will freely withdraw from within the carton due to the conformation of their edges and their relative shortness, as hereinbefore indicated.

The package formed with the carton of this FIGS. 27 to 32 style is well suited to use by those packagers who desire to use an overwrap which may bear such ornamentation and other printing as to the packager may seem appropriate. The package provided with such an overwrap is shown in FIG. 32, the ioverwrap 27 being shown as the usual sheet of paper folded about and glued to itself at its lapped edges and its end folds 28, and also to the carton wall members, if desired, and it is provided with an aperture 29 for registering positioning over, and exposure of, the free end tab 25 of the rip strip 24 so that this tab may be raised, and the rip strip manipulated not only to yrupture the glue ap 23 but to tear open the overwrap in line with such rip strip, thus freeing the narrow side wall d.

Referring to FIGS. 33 to 36, wherein apparatus suitable for performing some of the packaging steps for producing packages in accordance with the invention are shown, it will be seen that, in FIG. 33, means for feeding books B and applying thereto the cradle bands are schematically disclosed, including platform members 30 having lips 31 for supporting the books adjacent to their ends, and -rails 32 for locating the books lengthwise of their covers with respect to such lips and to conveyor chains 33 traveling below them and having feed lugs 34 for engaging the longitudinal edges of the covers to slide the books olf of the lips 31 and onto the cradle band blanks 12 deposited on the chains 33 and advanced therewith by hold-down feed lugs 35 which are so spaced in advance of the book feed lugs 34 as to center the band blanks 12 laterally `of the book covers. As the books, with underlying band blanks, proceed with the conveyor chains the blanks pass beneath scoring rollers 36 disposed in close proximity to the end edges of the book covers, and an outwardly extending endedge of each of the blanks passes over, and in operative contact with, a glue wheel 37 which applies a stripe -of glue to each such blank edge. When the books and band blanks leave the scoring rollers and glue applicator wheel the offstanding, free ends of the bands are engaged by plow means such as the rods 38 and are folded upwardly and horizontally over the traveling books, the end treated with glue being first folded, so that the end not treated with glue will be brought down against the first folded end to form a glue seam in the band, after which the books, with their thus folded and glue affixed cradle bands pass with the conveyor chains between a pair of top and bottom pressure belts 39 of such a length of travel as to insure setting of the glue seam, and the banded books are ultimately discharged from the belts 39 and can be passed to the mechanism disclosed in FIG. 34.

It will be seen that in this FIG. 33 apparatus, two of the platform members 30 are provided in suitably spaced relation longitudinally of the conveyor chains 33. This arrangement is for the purpose of enabling books to be positioned on the lips 31` of both platform members to insure eficient operation of the apparatus without passage of any pair of the feed lugs 34 of the chains 33 lacking a book. Of course, the speed of travel of the chains 33 will be so timed as to adapt the chains to the positioning of the books on the lips 31 and of the band blanks 12 on the chains, whether such positioning is done manually or mechanically.

In the mechanism of FIG. 34, the books B are delivered to, and supported on their backs by, a traveling conveyor 40 by which they are advanced to apair of feeding and glue pattern applying rollers 4,1` of substantially the type disclosed in the patent of the present applicant, Robert I. Hickin, for Intaglio Glue Mechanism, No. 2,787,244, dated April 2, 1957, and provided with glue fonts 42 from which glue is fed by nozzles 42 to the peripheries of the rollers ahead, in their direction of rotation, of the doctor blades 43, which blades doctor off all fed glue except that retained in the intaglio recesses 44 of the rollers 41, so that a controlled pattern of spots of glue 14 will be deposited on the cradle bands at their portions in contact with both covers of the fed books.

It is to be noted that means, not shown in FIG. 33, but shown in FIG. 34, will be provided to adjust the apparatus for operation on books of various sizes and thicknesses. Obviously, in the apparatus `of FIG. 33 such means will function to adjust the amount of separation of the platform members 30, and conceivably of the chains 33 and plow rods 37. The relative positioning of the glue wheel 37 and its font, and the pressure belt means 39 will also be provided for if desirable or necessary. In the apparatus of FIG. 34 bolt-secured adjustable `slide means 45 are provided for varying the spacing between the peripheries of the glue rollers 41, and means will be provided for so locating the operative pass of the conveyor 40 as to insure centering of the pattern of intaglio recesses of such rollers with the longitudinal centers of the cradle bands of the fed books.

If cartons of the types shown in FIGS. l to 5, 1l to 16, `and 27 to 32 are used in the packaging operation, apparatus such as that schematically disclosed in FIG. 35 may be employed for inserting the books into the squared-up cartons C endwise thereof, for centering the thus inserted books lengthwise of the cartons, for applying glue to the end flaps of the cartons, for closing such end flaps, for applying pressure to the thus closed end flaps to effect a proper glue seal, and for applying pressure to the broad side wall members of the cartons, both top and bottom, as they are fed, to insure adhesive attachment of the cradle bands to such wall members. The books may be fed endwise into the cartons either manually or by mechanical means, not shown but known in the packaging art.

As shown, two stations for the deposit of the cartons C are provided, having in mind the same considerations for the deposit of such cartons as hereinbefore described in connection with the two platform members 30 of FIG. 33, and at these stations there are carton supporting members 46 vertically reciprocable above, and in timed relation to the travel of, conveyor chains 47 which carry both feed lugs 48 for feeding engagement with the deposited cartons and pressure plates 49 so spaced in advance of the lugs 48 as to be centered beneath the cartons and longitudinally of the cradle bands of the books inserted in the cartons. Vertical reciprocation is imparted to the carton supporting members 46 by rotary cam means t) the rotation of which is timed in relation to the travel of the chain-carried feed lugs 48, so that as a pair of such lugs is advanced to the point of travel where their associated pressure plate 49 is centered beneath the elevated carton, with its contained banded book, the cam means 50 will function to lower the carton onto such plate into position where it will be properly engaged and advanced with the chains 47 by the associated pair of lugs 48.

The books may be centered lengthwise of the cartons by rotative camming fingers 51 which engage the ends of the books through the open carton ends. The end flaps may be properly successively opened out for application to them of glue by the intaglio rollers 52 similar to those of FIG. 34, and closed for xing of the glue seals by mechanism not shown but of conventional type in cartonclosing machines, and the pressure applying means for the end closures may be pressure belts 53, and for the broad side wall members pressure plates 49 carried by traveling chains 54 and complemental to the pressure plates 49 carried by the chains 47.

For the packaging of books in cartons of the wraparound type, such as shown in FIGS. 17 to 25, apparatus of the type schematically shown in FIG. 36 may be employed. In this type of apparatus the flat-folded blanks C', such as shown in FIG. 20, are fed by rollers 55 from the pile thereof in a hopper 56 to conveyor chains 57 having spaced feed lugs 58, and the books are placed on platform means 59 similar to those of FIG. 33. It will be noted that the feed lugs 58 have portions extending upwardly high enough to engage and move a cradlebanded book from the platform means 59 onto a carton blank presented below them by the lugs 58 which are notched at 58 for such engagement with the carton blank `as to properly position it lengthwise of the book so that there will be the desired spaces between the ends of the book and the ends of the carton. It will be seen that the carton as presented beneath the book carried on the platform means 59 is unfolded from its flat-folded condition as it comes from the hopper 56 to the condition illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 22. This opening-up, or unfolding, of the carton blank may be accomplished by mechanisms common in the packaging art, such as appropriately disposed and contoured plow means.

At the ends of their upper passes the lugs 58 of the chains 57 discharge the carton, with supported banded book, to conveyor chains 60 so timed in their travel with relation to the chains 57 that the lugs 61 of the chains 60 will properly engage the trailing end edge of the carton as discharged from the chains 57 and convey it past folding means, such as conventional plows, not shown, which will rst fold down the broad side wall member b2, as hereinbefore described, and apply to it, by means of a glue nozzle 62, the stripe of adhesive 20 (FIG. 22), and then the broad side wall member b1 will be folded down with its free edge portion 19 overlying the glue stripe, and the package thus made will pass between pressure rollers 63 which serve not only to apply adhering pressure to the glue seam thus formed, but also the broad side wall members a and [7l-b2 to force them into adhering contact with the glue pattern 14 on the cradle band 12 of the enclosed book. Thence, the chains 60 will convey the package to a pair of upper and lower pressure belts, or the like, 64 which serve to maintain pressure on the glue seam, and on the glue bond between the broad side wall members and the cradle band, until the glue thereof has had time to set.

It will be apparent that certain elements of the mechanisms, and the exact progressive arrangement of the elements shown, have been omitted, or only suggestively indicated, respectively, in FIGS. 33 to 36, but it is thought that, taken with the foregoing description, sufficient disclosure has been made to readily enable those skilled in the packaging art to have a comprehensive understanding of the packaging steps employed, and the means for performing such steps.

Having reference to the hereinbefore explained objects and advantages of the invention, and particularly to such objects and advantages as attained by the production of packages employing the types of cartons disclosed in relation to FIGS. 1 to 32, and the arrangement of their side wall members, and ends, or end wall members, with respect to the articles packaged, and particularly to books, it will be apparent that in all instances the article packaged, particularly a book, is so positioned in the closed carton by the attachment of the embracing cradle band to the broad side wall members that spaces are present not only between the ends of the article and the carton ends, but also between the broad side wall members of the carton and the adjacent surfaces of the article (the covers of the book), that distortion or crushing of the carton at its corners or ends will not cause damage to the article and, moreover, that, due to the spacing of the broad side wall members from the adjacent surfaces of the article, the broad side wall members will be able to absorb the possible distorting or crushing impact in quick- 13 1y dissipated ripples (FIG. 6) set up by the shock waves incident to such impact without its communication in any injurious sense to the packaged article through the connection therewith of the cradle band.

It will be appreciated, moreover, that the spacing of the broad side wall members, and also of the end wall members of the carton from the proximate surfaces of the article, a book in particular, makes possible use of the cartons for the packaging of articles, and particularly of books, of different dimensions within foreseeable limits. In other words, having reference particularly to books, the cartons may be of such dimensions as to adapt them to the packaging of books of a particular thickness and length, but will not forfeit their protection characteristics in accordance with the invention if the books ultimately packaged are of slightly greater or less length and thickness, or either, so long as adequate spacing is provided between the book cover faces, and ends, and the adjacent carton Walls, to accommodate rippling of the broad side walls and properly controlled crushing of the walls at the ends and corners of the carton in the event of impact thereagainst which might otherwise result in damage to the books.

Also, when cartons of the types shown in FIGS. 11 to 16, 26, and 27 to 32, particularly, are used, a further advantageous result is obtained in that cartons of these types, and especially that shown in FIGS. 11 to 16, lend themselves readily to inspection and removal of the carton contents, particularly books sent on approval, 'or unsolicited, and restoration of the packages for reshipment to the shipper. Removal of the books from the packages for inspection and return, or for retention, is made particularly easy by virtue of the fact that there is no direct connection between them and the cradle bands by which they are confined Within the cartons as intended, inasmuch as the books may be slid out of such cradle bands, and restored within them if desired, with ease Iand without damage to the books or to their dust covers.

Various changes and modifications, including and in addition to those specifically disclosed, are considered to be within the principle of the invention and the scope of the following claims.

What We claim is:

1. A shipper package, including a carton, a book and a band member embracing said book in a direction substantially parallel to the bound edge thereof and along the longitudinal dimension of the carton, said carton having two pairs of side wall members interconnected in tube form and in such relatively spaced relation in each pair as to accommodate the book longitudinally thereof, the W-all members of one pair normally being so relatively spaced as to be proximate to but provide free spaces between them and adjacent surfaces of said book and having said band member secured to their inner faces, and the ends of all of said wall members being spaced from the 14 ends of the book, whereby the book is supported within said carton by said band member in non-rigid but longitudinally secure cradle-like suspension and in spaced relation to said one pair of side wall members and to the ends of the carton.

2.. A shipper package as defined in claim 1, in which said carton has end wall members at its ends.

3. A shipper package as defined in claim 1, in which said carton has open ends.

4. A shipper package as defined in claim 1, in which the side Wall members of the pair to at least one of which said band member is secured are of full carton side wall area, and one of the side wall members of the other pair of such members is provided as a part thereof with a fiap extending over and secured to one of said full area side wall members, said flap being provided with means defining therein a rip strip whereby the said flap may be ruptured and in part detached from the side wall member to which it is secured to thereby permit opening of the side wall member 'of which it forms a part and thus provide access to the interior of the carton.

5. A shipper package as defined in claim 4, in which the package is provided with an overwrap, and said overwrap is provided with an opening in register with a portion of said rip strip, whereby said rip strip may be grasped to rupture not only said flap but also said overwrap.

6. A shipper package las defined in claim 1, in which the side wall members of the pair to at least one of which said band member is secured are of full carton side wall area, and one of the side Wall members of the other pair of such members is provided with a flap extending over and secured to one of said full area side wall members, said fiap being provided with means defining therein a rupturable portion serVin-g upon rupture to release a part of the side wall member on which it is provided to give access to the interior of the carton for inspection and removal 'of the packaged article, the rupturable portion of said flap thereafter being insertible beneath the wall member to which said liap is secured to restore the carton to closed condition.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,315,103 9/1919 Elder. 1,677,918 7/ 1928 Gallistel 229-87 1,842,034 1/1932 Lewis. 2,801,000 7/ 1957 Busch 20G-57 FOREIGN PATENTS 348,070 5/ 1931 Great Britain.

LOUIS G. MANCENE, Primary Examiner. THERON E. CONDON, Examiner. 

1. A SHIPPER PACKAGE, INCLUDING A CARTON, A BOOK AND A BAND MEMBER EMBRACING SAID HOOK IN A DIRECTION SUBSTANTIALLY PARALLEL TO THE BOUND EDGE THEREOF AND ALONG THE LONGITUDINAL DIMENSION OF THE CARTON, SAID CARTON HAVING TWO PAIRS OF SIDE WALL MEMBERS INTERCONNECTED IN TUBE FORM AND IN SUCH RELATIVELY SPACED RELATION IN EACH PAIR AS TO ACCOMMODATE THE BOOK LONGITUDINALLY THEREOF, THE WALL MEMBERS OF ONE PAIR NORMALLY BEING SO RELATIVELY SPACED AS TO BE PROXIMATE TO BUT PROVIDE FREE SPACES BETWEEN THEM AND ADJACENT SURFACES OF SAID BOOK AND HAVING SAID BAND MEMBER SECURED TO THEIR INNER FACES, AND THE ENDS OF ALL OF SAID WALL MEMBERS BEING SPACED FROM THE ENDS OF THE BOOK, WHEREBY THE BOOK IS SUPPORTED WITHIN SAID CARTON BY SAID BAND MEMBER IN NON-RIGID BUT LONGITUDINALLY SECURE CRADLE-LIKE SUSPENSION AND IN SPACED RELATION TO SAID ONE PAIR OF SIDE WALLS MEMBERS AND TO THE ENDS OF THE CARTON. 